Glossary Archive

To manoeuvre or turning a sailing vessel's bow through the wind to change direction, allowing it to sail in a zigzag pattern upwind. Tacking is a fundamental sailing technique used to navigate a vessel upwind, as a sailboat cannot sail directly into the wind. Instead, the boat must follow a zigzag course, alternating between two...

Lower a sail

To assume control or responsibility for steering or navigating a vessel. Taking the helm refers to the act of assuming control over the steering of a boat or ship, typically by physically handling the wheel or tiller that directs the vessel's course. The helm is the mechanism that allows the helmsman to control the rudder,...

Pronounced: TANG-go The term for the letter T in the NATO Phonetic Alphabet.

The International Maritime Signal Flag Tango. Meaning Keep clear of me.Fishing boats: Keep clear of me; I am engaged in pair trawling.If appended with a Numeral Pennant, local time. (The first 2 digits denote hours; the last 2 denote.)

A measure used primarily in maritime and aviation contexts to estimate the time until two moving objects (e.g., ships or aircraft) reach their closest point of proximity to each other, assuming their current courses and speeds remain unchanged. It is a crucial parameter in collision avoidance systems. Key Concepts: Closest Point of Approach (CPA): The...

A measure used in satellite navigation systems, such as GPS, to quantify the effect of errors in the timing of satellite signals on the accuracy of position calculations. It represents how much the timing errors in the satellite signals dilute the overall precision of the position solution. A lower TDOP value indicates better timing accuracy...

Small strips of lightweight material, such as yarn or ribbon, attached to a sail or rigging to indicate airflow and help sailors optimise sail trim and performance. Tell-tales are an essential tool for sailors, providing visual feedback on the airflow over a sail's surface. Typically made from lightweight materials like yarn, ribbon, or even thin...

A small boat used to transport people or goods between a larger vessel and the shore or another vessel.  A tender is an essential component of maritime operations, particularly for larger vessels that cannot dock directly at a pier or shallow waters due to their size or draught. Tenders are typically smaller, versatile boats designed...

The RYA Tender Operator course is tailored for individuals using tenders in marina or superyacht environments. The course covers low-speed handling, passenger safety, and maneuvering in confined spaces. Participants also learn about navigation, weather considerations, and effective communication with crew and passengers. By the end, participants will have the skills and confidence to operate tenders...